G.Skill RipjawsX PC3-14900 Cas 9 Review

Introduction:

Computer memory is constantly becoming faster and more efficient. With every speed boost of new processors and storage, capacities and frequencies of memory have needed to keep up as well. Not too long ago, memory frequencies of 1000MHz were considered the fastest you could buy. Now, we are surpassing speeds in excess of 2000MHz, as if there are no limits to how far they can go. When it comes to capacity, 4GB was the sweet spot years ago, but with newer operating systems and increased demand for memory, it seems like 8GB has become a common capacity for power users. One of the most popular memory manufacturers is G.Skill, a company that offers a wide range of modules for every need. Today, we will be taking a look at a set from their premium RipjawsX series. They are designed for gamers and power users who want superior speed, capacity, and low latency for their cutting edge systems.

With model number F3-14900CL9D-8GBXL, the set we have on review is rated for 1866MHz speeds in a dual channel configuration, with latency timings of 9-10-9-28. Each module contains a capacity of 4GB, making for a total memory of 8GB when both are added to your system. To allow for easier setup, there are XMP profiles embedded into the memory for Intel users. If you like to get down and dirty, manual control is always an option. Appearance-wise, they have heat spreaders that look to aggressively tear through the competition, hence the RipjawsX name. More than just for “bling” factor, the heat spreaders are designed to efficiently pull heat from the modules and away by means of natural chassis airflow or memory cooling fans. Let’s take a nice look at the modules up close and then see how they perform!

Closer Look:

The G.Skill RipjawsX comes packed in a nice blister pack designed to keep the memory safe in transport. The transparent packing allows you to clearly see the memory before even taking it out. At the top of the package, you will find the RipjawsX logo and, of course, the G.Skill logo prominently showing you who you’re dealing with. The back of the packaging reveals a bit of information on the features of the RipjawsX memory and the lifetime warranty that accompanies them.

With the modules out of the package, you will really see why they have been given the name, RipjawsX – they look like fierce teeth, like that of a shark, designed to rip the heads off of their opponents. The RipjawsX series comes in several DDR3 frequencies, capacities, and color schemes – either red or blue. Today, our review set features a red color scheme, a frequency of DDR3 1866MHz, timings of 9-10-9-28, and a voltage of 1.5V. This particular set is designed with X.M.P. profiles in mind, for use on Intel P67 platforms. In conjunction with its low voltage, they should make overclocking easier for novice users. However, the modules should always work at these specifications as long as they are supported by board.

The heat spreaders on the G.Skill RipjawsX are made of aluminum, which will evenly spread and dissipate heat away from critical parts of the memory. The teeth on the top allow air to easily pass between them for maximum cooling efficiency. While these particular spreaders are more low-profile than others, caution should still be made in ensuring that they will not interfere with your processor heat sinks, clearance-wise. When paired with a RAM cooling fan, such as the G.Skill Turbulence II, you should be able to push your memory to the limit while still remaining nice and stable.

Now that we have seen the memory up close, how about we begin testing these beasts?